Canon has announced its new optical unit that can be integrated into UHD-DIGISUPER 122 and UHD-DIGISUPER 111 field box lenses to help create images with a shallow depth of field.
According to Canon, the demand for footage that highlights the subject with a shallow depth of field continues to grow in the sports and live production industries. However, keeping focus using a fast aperture at a live event can be challenging since subjects can move rapidly and unpredictably. To solve this issue, Canon’s unique optical unit produces video with a shallow depth of field even at fast apertures, and it is easier to focus due to the extended focus range.
Lenses with this optical unit installed allow camera operators to shift between traditional broadcast and enhanced shallow depth of field looks. The optical unit is also claimed to maintain a consistent color tone with existing field lenses. The whole premise of this optical unit was to give users the ability to capture high-quality visuals in a familiar shooting environment, without requiring new cameras, lenses, workflow, or additional operating equipment.
The optical unit and lens combination covers a long focal length that larger format lenses are unable to reach. Any teams who are already working with the UHD-DIGISUPER 122 and UHD-DIGISUPER 111 field box lenses can get the new optical unit installed via a paid customisation service. Versions of the UHD-DIGISUPER 122 and UHD-DIGISUPER 111 with the optical unit pre-installed are planned for future release.
The UHD-DIGISUPER 122 ‘Novel Look’ lens will be on display for the first time at NAB, an exhibition of broadcasting and video production equipment, in Canon’s booth #N2103, held in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 6-9, 2025.
